KR20170072063A - Stacking apparatus for fuel cell stack - Google Patents

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a stacking apparatus for a fuel cell stack in which scratches of a material are prevented from occurring in fuel cells when stacking fuel cell parts, improving the degree of stacking, stacking fuel cell parts, . According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a laminating apparatus for a fuel cell stack, comprising: an outer guide fixed to a frame and a base to guide alignment of fuel cell components; And a guide regulating device mounted on the base at a lower portion of the frame for lifting and lowering the internal guide and separating or coming into contact with the fuel cell component from the fuel cell component.

Description

Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to a stacking apparatus for a fuel cell stack,

The present invention relates to a laminating apparatus for a fuel cell stack, and more particularly to a laminating apparatus for a fuel cell stack used for stacking and pressurizing and transporting fuel cell components.

As is known, the fuel cell stack is a kind of power generation device that generates electric energy through electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen by fuel cells, and is applied to a fuel cell vehicle as an example.

The fuel cell stack is made up of an electricity generation aggregate in which hundreds of fuel cells (unit cells) are arranged in series. The fuel cell has a configuration in which a separator plate is disposed on both sides of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) therebetween. The fuel cells can be fastened through the end plate and the fastening means in the pressurized state.

Such a fuel cell stack can be manufactured as a process of stacking fuel cells one by one, placing the stacked fuel cells between upper and lower end plates, pressing them with a press, and fastening the end plates through fastening means.

Conventionally, fuel cells are manually stacked or stacked in units of small modules through a predetermined guide mechanism, and fuel cells of the small module units are stacked by hand to manufacture a fuel cell stack.

Accordingly, the conventional method is disadvantageous in terms of the overall cycle time for stacking, pressing, and fastening fuel cells, and the reliability of the stacking of fuel cells may deteriorate.

Conventionally, in order to take out the stack from the guide mechanism, the guide has to be separated, the degree of stacking of the fuel cells is lowered due to repetitive movement of the guide, and when the stack is taken out of the guide mechanism, scratches .

The matters described in the background section are intended to enhance the understanding of the background of the invention and may include matters not previously known to those skilled in the art.

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a stacking apparatus for a fuel cell stack in which scratches of a material are prevented from occurring in fuel cells when stacking fuel cell parts, improving the degree of stacking, stacking fuel cell parts, .

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a laminating apparatus for a fuel cell stack, comprising: an outer guide fixed to a frame and a base to guide alignment of fuel cell components; And a guide regulating device mounted on the base at a lower portion of the frame for lifting and lowering the internal guide and separating or coming into contact with the fuel cell component from the fuel cell component.

The frame may be spaced apart on the base.

The guide regulating device includes a link mounted at a lower portion of the frame with a center hinge and connected to the inner guide at a first end, and a guide mounted on the base and connected to a second end of the link, And a fuller that lifts up or seals the fuel cell component from the fuel cell component.

The outer guide has a slot hole that is guided from the inner side to the outer side while being moved upward from the bottom. The inner guide is coupled with the slot hole and is movable in the outer side and the inner side while ascending and descending in the outer guide.

The plurality of slot holes may be provided along the outer guide, and the plurality of pins may be provided corresponding to the slot holes.

The puller may be formed of an air cylinder mounted on the base and coupled with a coupling groove on a second end of the link.

The laminating apparatus for a fuel cell stack according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include an elastic member provided between the protrusion provided on the puller and the base to elastically support the puller.

The first distance between the first end of the link and the center hinge may be shorter than the second distance between the second end of the link and the center hinge.

As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the inner guide is lowered by a guide adjusting device (a puller and a link), the fuel cell component is closely attached to the side surface of the fuel cell component (separator plate component and MEA sheet component) When the aligned fuel cell parts are pressed and fastened and then the finished stack is taken out, the inner guide is separated from the stack, thereby preventing scratching of the stack (fuel cell parts).

1 is a perspective view of a laminating apparatus for a fuel cell stack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a combined state diagram of a link and a puller provided in the base and the frame in FIG. 1. FIG.
3 is a front view of the fuel cell component stacked on the fuel cell stack stacking apparatus of FIG.
Figure 4 is a side view of Figure 3;
5 is a plan view of the state in which the inner guide is in close contact with the stack in the state of FIG.
6 is a detail view in which the pin is lowered in the slot hole;
Fig. 7 is an operational state diagram of the link and the puller in the state of Fig. 3;
Fig. 8 is a front view of the state where the stack completed in the stacking apparatus for the fuel cell stack of Fig. 1 is lifted. Fig.
Fig. 9 is a side view of Fig. 8. Fig.
10 is a detailed view in which the pins are raised in the slot holes;
11 is a plan view of the state in which the inner guide is separated from the stack in the state of FIG.
12 is an operational state diagram of the link and the puller in the state of FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In order to clearly illustrate the present invention, parts not related to the description are omitted, and the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

A stacking apparatus for a fuel cell stack according to an embodiment of the present invention stacks a plurality of fuel cell components sequentially, presses the stacked fuel cell components, and fastens fuel cell components together with upper and lower end plates (See FIG. 11) through the process of assembling the fuel cell stack 1, and lifting and discharging the completed stack 1.

The fuel cell stack 1 includes continuously stacked fuel cell components 101 (see Fig. 6), an end plate 102 (see Fig. 6, 103, Fig. 11 And a fastening bar (not shown) for fastening the upper and lower end plates 102, 103 with the fuel cell parts 101 interposed therebetween.

The fuel cell components 101 include a separator plate component in which a cathode metal separator plate and an anode metal separator plate are bonded to each other and an MEA sheet component in which gas diffusion layers are bonded to both sides of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The fuel cell components 101 can constitute the fuel cell stack 1 by stacking a plurality of separator plate parts and MEA sheet parts sequentially successively.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laminating apparatus for a fuel cell stack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a combined state view of a link and a puller provided in the base and the frame in FIG.

1 and 2, a laminating apparatus for a fuel cell stack according to an embodiment includes a lower base 10, an upper frame 20, an outer guide 30, an inner guide 40, For example, a link 50 and a puller 60).

The laminating apparatus for the fuel cell stack is used in a laminating process for laminating the fuel cell components 101 (see Fig. 6), presses and tightens the stacked fuel cell parts 101, In the press-fitting step.

Further, the laminating apparatus for the fuel cell stack is used to move the stacked fuel cell parts 101 in the laminating process to the press-fastening process. Thus, the base 10 has a lower portion of the laminating apparatus for the fuel cell stack, and provides the mounting space of the components of the laminator and moving means for moving between consecutive processes.

The frame 20 is disposed on the base 10 in a heightwise direction so as to provide a space for installing the link 50 and the puller 60 in the lower portion thereof, Provide space to perform the process.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the fuel cell component stacked in the fuel cell stack stacking apparatus of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a side view of FIG. 3. Referring to Figs. 1 to 4, the outer guide 30 is fixedly installed on the side surface of the frame 20 and the base 10 to enable alignment, pressurization and fastening of the fuel cell component 101. Fig.

The outer guide 30 is formed of four columns and is installed on the base 10 and is integrally connected by the connecting member 11 at an upper portion of the base 10 opposite to the base 10. That is, the outer guide 30 forms a stable structure corresponding to the outer periphery of the fuel cell component 101 having a rectangular structure.

The external guide 30 having four columns is arranged corresponding to four long sides of the fuel cell component 101 and is spaced apart from the side surface of the fuel cell component 101 by a gap G (see FIG. 6). Therefore, the outer guide 30 is not in contact with the fuel cell parts 101 stacked on the frame 20. Since the outer guide 30 remains fixed, the degree of stacking of the fuel cell component 10 can be improved.

5 is a plan view of the state in which the inner guide is in close contact with the stack in the state of FIG. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the outer guide 30 has a groove 31 formed in the vertical direction, and has an opening 32 opened toward the stacked fuel cell component 101. That is, the outer guide 30 is opened in the direction facing each other with the fuel cell parts 101 therebetween.

The inner guide 40 is embedded in the outer guide 30 and is movable up and down in the frame 20 by the gap G to support and support the side surface of the fuel cell component 101.

That is, the inner guide 40 is coupled to the groove 31 of the outer guide 30 and simultaneously moves forward or backward by the gap G toward the fuel cell component 101 through the opening 32, (101).

6 is a detail view in which the pin is lowered in the slot hole; Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the outer guide 30 has a slot 33 formed in a curved line so as to be guided from the inside to the outside while being moved upward from the bottom.

The inner guide 40 has a pin 41 on the opposite side of the slot hole 33 and is coupled to the outer guide 40 because the pin 41 is engaged with the slot hole 33. The inner guide 40 can be moved inward and outward by the gap G while being guided by the slot hole 33 through the pin 41 while moving up and down in the outer guide 30. [

A plurality of slot holes 33 are provided along the outer guide 30 and a plurality of pins 41 are provided in the inner guide 40 corresponding to the slot holes 33. Therefore, the inner guide 40 which is ascending and descending is stably moved inwardly and outwardly within the range of the gap G set by the slot hole 33, and is not released to the opening 32 of the outer guide 30.

5, when the inner guide 40 descends from the outer guide 30, the inner guide 40 is moved inward while being guided along the slot 33 through the pin 41, (When stacking fuel cell parts).

Conversely, when the inner guide 40 is lifted by the outer guide 30, the inner guide 40 is moved outward while being guided along the slot 33 through the pin 41, And is separated from the stack 1 (refer to Fig. 11) (when the fuel cell parts are pressed and released).

Fig. 7 is an operational state diagram of the link and the puller in the state of Fig. 3; 2 and 7, the link 50 is mounted on the lower portion of the frame 20 with a center hinge 55 and connected to the inner guide 40 at the first end 51. [ That is, the first end 51 is connected to the lower end of the inner guide 40 by the hinge 56.

The first distance L1 between the first end 51 of the link 50 and the center hinge 55 is greater than the second distance 52 between the second end 52 of the link 50 and the center hinge 55, (L2). Therefore, the link 50 can lift and move the inner guide 40 with a small driving force of the puller 60 by the leverage effect.

The puller 60 is mounted to the base 10 and is connected to the second end 52 of the link 50 to lift and raise the inner guide 40 through the link 50. For example, the puller 60 is formed of an air cylinder mounted on the base 10. The second end 52 of the link 50 is engaged with the engaging groove 61 provided in the puller 60.

The puller 60 may lift and move the inner guide 40 through the link 50. In this embodiment, the inner guide 40 is moved upward through the link 50 to move to the outside. Therefore, the laminating apparatus for the fuel cell stack further includes the elastic member 70 for the opposite action of the puller 60. [

That is, the elastic member 70 is provided between the protrusion 62 provided in the puller 60 and the base 10 to elastically support the puller 60. Therefore, the puller 60 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member 70 to operate the link 50 in the counterclockwise direction at the center hinge 55, and the elastic member 70 moves the link 50 in the counterclockwise direction when the operating force of the puller 60 is removed , The puller (60) and the link (50) can be operated clockwise at the center hinge (55).

When the operating force of the puller 60 is removed and the elastic member 70 rises when the fuel cell component 101 is stacked, the link 50 is supported by the center hinge 55 and rotates in the clockwise direction, The inner guide 40 connected to the hinge 56 by the hinge 56 is lowered (see Fig. 7).

At this time, the inner guide 40 is moved inwardly by the gap G as the pin 41 is guided by the slot 33 of the outer guide 30 (refer to FIG. 6) The fuel cell parts 101 are aligned while being closely contacted (refer to FIG. 5). The degree of lamination can be improved because the outer guide 30 is fixed and the inner guide 40 is minimally operated to align the fuel cell parts 101. [

Thus, the stacking and alignment of the fuel cell component 101 in the state shown in Figs. 3 to 7 is completed. In this state, the laminating apparatus for the fuel cell stack is transferred to the pressurizing and fastening process, thereby enabling the pressurized fastening of the aligned fuel cell parts 101. [ Then, the completed stack 1 is lifted from the stacking apparatus for the fuel cell stack and carried out.

FIG. 9 is a side view of FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the pin elevated in the slot hole, and FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the stack of the fuel cell stack of FIG. 8 is a plan view of the state in which the inner guide is separated from the stack in the state of FIG. 8, and FIG. 12 is an operational state diagram of the link and the puller in the state of FIG.

8 to 12 show a state in which the completed stack 1 is lifted from the stacking apparatus for a fuel cell stack and taken out.

The flange 60 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member 70 and descends when the fuel cell assembly 101 is pressed and then the finished stack 1. When the puller 60 descends, 50 are supported at the center hinge 55 and rotated counterclockwise to raise the inner guide 40 connected to the first end 51 by the hinge 56 (see FIG. 12).

At this time, the inner guide 40 is moved by the gap G outwardly as the pin 41 is guided by the slot hole 33 of the outer guide 30 (see FIG. 10) (See FIG. 11).

And the completed stack 1 is taken out of the laminating apparatus for the inner guide 40 and the fuel cell stack by a stack lift (not shown) as shown in Figs. At this time, since the inner guide 40 is spaced apart from the stack 1 by the gap G, the stack 1 is not scratched.

Thus, the degree of stacking of the fuel cell component 10 can be improved because the outer guide 30 is always kept fixed and the inner guide 40 is moved within the gap G.

Also, since a stacking device for one fuel cell stack is used between two processes, it is not necessary to take out the stack 1 to the outside of the device, and productivity can be improved. The fuller 60 and the elastic member 70 realize the alignment of the fuel cell component 101 with a simple structure, and the automation upon press-fitting and unloading.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, And it goes without saying that the invention belongs to the scope of the invention.

1: Stack 10: Base
11: connecting member 20: frame
30: outer guide 31: groove
32: opening 33: slot hole
40: inner guide 41: pin
50: Link 51: First stage
55: center hinge 56: hinge
60: puller 61: engaging groove
62: projection 70: elastic member
101: fuel cell component 102, 103: end plate
G: gap L1, L2: first and second distances

Claims (8)

An outer guide fixed to the frame and the base to guide the alignment of the fuel cell components;
An inner guide which is embedded in the outer guide and which is laterally moved up and down in the frame to support a side surface of the fuel cell component; And
A guide regulating device mounted on the base at a lower portion of the frame to lift and lower the inner guide and to separate or adhere the inner guide from the fuel cell component,
Wherein the fuel cell stack is a fuel cell stack. The method according to claim 1,
The frame
And the fuel cell stack is disposed on the base. 3. The method of claim 2,
The guide regulating device comprises:
A link mounted at a lower portion of the frame with a center hinge and connected to the inner guide at a first end; And
And a puller mounted on the base and connected to a second end of the link for lifting and lowering the internal guide through the link and separating or coming into contact with the fuel cell component. The method of claim 3,
The outer guide
And a slot hole guided from the inside to the outside while being raised from below,
The inner guide
Wherein the fuel cell stack is coupled to the slot hole by a pin, and moves up and down in the outer guide while being mutually moved outward and inward. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the plurality of slot holes are provided along the outer guide,
Wherein the plurality of fins are provided corresponding to the slot holes. The method of claim 3,
The puller
And an air cylinder mounted on the base and coupled to the second end of the link with a coupling groove. The method according to claim 6,
And a resilient member provided between the protrusion provided on the puller and the base to elastically support the puller. The method of claim 3,
The first distance between the first end of the link and the center hinge
Wherein the second distance between the second end of the link and the center hinge is shorter than the second distance between the second end of the link and the center hinge.

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